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'Odd behaviour' in lead-up to garda's shooting, witness tells trial
Summary
A witness living near Castlerea, County Roscommon heard "roaring and shouting" and observed erratic behaviour in the minutes before Detective Garda Colm Horkan was fatally shot on June 17th, 2020, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Paul McGarry described seeing two men ducking behind walls and a motorbike being driven at speed without lights before hearing what he believed were gunshots at 11.50pm. A second witness, Laura McIntyre, reported seeing a bearded man in his 40s driving recklessly on the motorcycle, shouting about armed squads and firearms. Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. Garda evidence outlined that earlier that day an agitated man had visited Castlerea station complaining about alleged abuse of an elderly person, with subsequent checks linking a blue van to Silver. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Odd behaviour' in lead-up to garda's shooting, witness tells trial. Charges or matters: the murder of Det Gda Horkan on June 17, 2020 at Castlerea, Co Roscommon; manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 17, 2020 Other
- 2022-10-10 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Det Gda Horkan on June 17, 2020 at Castlerea, Co Roscommon; manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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